What Happened?
On July 17th, Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) welcomed a group of young people from Gwynedd’s youth area forums to their general meeting, creating a dynamic platform for exchange and collaboration. The meeting, held in the heart of Cardiff, provided an opportunity for both groups to learn from each other, share their experiences, and discuss issues that matter to young people across Wales.
Elections for New Leadership
The meeting kicked off with an important event on the CYC calendar: the election of their new Chair and Vice Chair. Members of CYC took part in the voting process, demonstrating the democratic values at the core of their council. The election set the tone for the rest of the meeting, highlighting the importance of youth leadership and active participation in decision-making processes.
Why?
Sharing Visions: CYC’s Presentation
Following the elections, members of CYC delivered an informative presentation about their organisation. They outlined who they are, their structure, and the work they do to represent the voices of young people in Cardiff. The presentation emphasised CYC’s commitment to advocating for positive change and highlighted some of the key initiatives they have been involved in, ranging from mental health campaigns to environmental activism.
Gwynedd Youth Forums: A Unique Structure
The visiting young people from Gwynedd then took the floor, offering insights into their unique structure. Gwynedd’s youth forums are composed of three area forums, each of which feeds into a county-wide forum. This layered approach allows for a wide range of voices to be heard and ensures that local issues are brought to the forefront at a county level. The Gwynedd representatives explained how they set their work priorities based on the needs and concerns of young people in their areas, striving to advocate for changes that will benefit their communities.
So What?
A Workshop for Future Collaboration
The meeting concluded with a collaborative workshop, where both CYC members and the young people from Gwynedd explored what matters most to them. Through discussions and activities, they identified similarities and differences in the issues facing their respective regions. This workshop was a valuable exercise in understanding the diverse perspectives across Welsh counties and finding common ground for future collaboration.
The visit marked an important step in building stronger connections between youth councils across Wales, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose among young people committed to making a difference in their communities. Both groups left the meeting inspired and eager to continue working together to address the challenges they face.